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Vallarta Vibes: From Lazy Beach Days to Fun 'Living Life' Nights

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Have been living in Puerto Vallarta (PV) for 3 months & am putting together  my top recs from having hosted many friends. This is my list from experiencing the most chill to the most lit/fun experiences that this beautiful Bahía de Banderas Bay has to offer.
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What to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Top attractions to see & experience if you are going to Puerto Vallarta or nearby.

 
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Go for an evening scenic walk along this beachfront walkway (no cars); lots of Mexican antojitos (treats), artistic sculptures, shops, and local artists performances.
Explore the Malecón Boardwalk
 
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It's the iconic symbol of Puerto Vallarta, such an architectural beauty and historical significance--also the crown top is just, magical
Visit the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
 
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PV is a a lush haven of native plants, orchids, and tropical birds & this botanical garden all of its essence.
Plan a visit to the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens
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Super fun, colorful neighborhood with an LGBTQ friendly vibe.
Take a stroll through Zona Romántica
 
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Majahuitas is a must if you like DJ music/day club experience in a remote shore beach that can only be accessed by boat. Went 4 times it was that fun!
Plan a Beach Club Majahuitas day
 
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Yelapa is an amazing all day trip that was one of the highlights of my time in Vallarta. You take a water taxi to Yelapa & get access to the beach, food, & can do side tours: highly recommend going on a quad into town, it's soooo adorable (li...
Plan a day trip to Yelapa Beach
 
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I loved going to Sayulita; it's a surf/hippie town with lots to do, see, & explore. You can rent a car for the day & drive from PV (45min or so) but if you want to explore the weekend, I recommend staying there & visiting San Pancho (next...
Plan weekend (2-3) day trip to Sayulita
 
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San Pancho is also a super adorable vibey town, next to Sayulita. There's surfing & a beatiful clean beach with local vendors but less crowded than Sayulita. Lots of restaurants as well! I loved San Pancho slightly more than Sayulita.
Explore San Pancho, Nayarit (1hr from PV)

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

A few local recs for where to stay. PV is a lush, magical place & offers a ton of beatiful stays. This are just some of my faves & I will continue to update this list as I uncover more beatiful spots.

 
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This lovely boutique is the former home of the queen herself, Elizabeth Taylor; this boutique hotel offers a romantic and luxurious experience for all.
Casa Kimberly Vallarta
 
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This is an adults-only resort with a cutting-edge architectural design and absolutely breathtaking ocean views--definitely a dreamy lovers paradise.
Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta
 
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This is charming, elegant boutique hotel offering colonial charm in the heart of downtown. Gives a traditional hacienda vibe.
Hacienda San Angel Puerto Vallarta | Hotel boutique de lujo MX
 
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I stayed here for a weekend trip with friends & had a fun time; this is a super budget-friendly option that has mostly shared accommodations; similar to hostels, it's great for solo travelers or young crowds.
Selina Sayulita
 
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My friend stayed here with her family & had an incredible time. I've also heard other wonderful experience shared to me by locals. Garza Blanca is a secluded luxury resort with beautiful suites, infinity pools, and a pristine private beach.
Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta

Where to Eat (food recs)

 
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This was such an upscale dining experience with a fusion of Mexican and French cuisines, set in a luxurious garden setting.
Café des Artistes
 
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Definitely an vibey upscale/luxury dining with a party atmosphere--located in a nicer part of PV.
La Madalena
 
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This place was sooo good. Ate here a few times & their fresh tuna is----next level!
Tuna Azul Zona Romantica
 
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Ok so the tacos here are absolutely next level! But to find them you have to ty the local taco trucks--restaurants on this list will always be fine/oka but the local TACO TRUCKS is where its at!!
LOS MEJORES sitios de Tacos en Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco